Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire have called a truce on four difficult years as the Carlton coach was honoured for his AFL record.
The Collingwood president presented Malthouse with a plaque and the pair shook hands before Friday night's match between the two clubs at the MCG, won by Collingwood 18.12 (120) to 6.9 (45).
The game marks Malthouse's 715th game as an AFL coach, breaking the record held by Magpies legend Jock McHale for 66 years.
Malthouse departed from his pre-match preparations to briefly attend the Carlton pre-match function.
He learned that the 'Pies wanted to present him with the plaque and said it would be appropriate if McGuire spoke.
At short notice, McGuire then gave a moving and eloquent speech, calling Malthouse a giant of the AFL and legend of Collingwood.
Malthouse coached the Magpies for 12 years and led them to the 2010 premiership.
But it ended in bitterness, with Malthouse ultimately unhappy at the succession plan that McGuire engineered where Nathan Buckley took over as coach.
"It didn't end the way we all wanted it to end, but that's alright, we'll get through these things," McGuire said.
"We did all the things (with) the right intentions, but sometimes the best-laid plans don't come to fruition.
"We were the worst house on the street when Mick Malthouse came to Collingwood ... Mick, your contribution to Collingwood and to football in general is profound."
In reply, Malthouse made it clear that his time at Collingwood remains special to him.
"Thank you Ed for your Collingwood Football Club and its 12 years - you don't just wipe 12 years off, I can tell you that right now," Malthouse said.
As the teams ran out on the ground, Malthouse and his family also walked out onto the MCG amid warm applause.
Malthouse's wife Nanette - whom he calls his Rock of Gibraltar - their four children and five grandchildren were with him.
All his grandchildren wore mini Carlton guernseys with "Coach Pa 715" printed on the back.
"I've been very nervous all day," Malthouse told the pre-game function.
"Normally I get nervous just before a match or very early in the day and it settles down.
"So there's something happening which is a bit different."
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